“We’ve reviewed and discussed at length the circumstances surrounding our football signee Reese Leitao. After considerable reflection, I have decided to allow him to be a part of our program. Based on several discussions with people who know Reese well as a person both on and off the field, he’s been a good student, highly-regarded teammate and leader among his peers. All indications are that he’s a young man with a history of good character and behavior who made a poor decision. I recently met with Reese and his parents and found him to be contrite, sincere and accountable for his actions. He has taken ownership of his mistake and the consequences that come with it. He understands that he will, strongly, be held to a very high standard of behavior at The University of Texas. He committed to me that he will take this negative action and turn it into a positive outcome. Reese is determined to make this situation a turning point in his life and not an event that defines his character. Coach Herman and I welcome Reese to the Longhorn family, support him and look forward to a promising future.”

Leitao was arrested in February on a felony charge of drug possession; that was reduced to a misdemeanor with a four-year deferred sentence.